Cult Clash Claims 20 Lives Lost in Ogun State: Government Implements Restrictions

In response to the escalating violence between two notorious cult groups, the Eiye and Aye Confraternity, the Ogun State government has taken decisive action, implementing movement restrictions and launching a crackdown on cultists. This move follows a tragic incident in Sagamu where approximately 20 lives were lost during a violent clash.

Rival Cult Clashes Claim Six Lives, Including Students and a Gospel Musician

The unrest erupted on a Thursday night when members of these rival cult groups engaged in a dangerous supremacy battle, plunging the town into chaos. The violence peaked in the early hours of the following day, resulting in the brutal deaths of six young men, including secondary school students who had just resumed the new academic session.

Several areas in the vicinity, including Agbowa, Ajaka, Sabo, Ijagba, and Isokun, witnessed a significant number of casualties. Shockingly, even a 50-year-old gospel musician known as Sunny Pa lost his life during the crossfire.

The Sabo area was particularly hard-hit, with around 10 reported fatalities, including individuals identified as Mikolo, a suspected Eiye cult member, and Anene, an Aye cult member. The exact cause of the crisis remains unclear, with some attributing it to the death of a budding musician, Promise Oladimeji Aloba (known as Mohbad), while others point to disputes over proceeds from land-grabbing activities.

Police Express Concern as Sagamu Violence Escalates

The Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, expressed concern, stating that the crisis extends beyond mere anti-cultism efforts. He emphasized that it requires a comprehensive approach from the entire system, especially as many of those involved are not even indigenes of Sagamu.

Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of nine suspects connected to the violence. According to the Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, the root cause of the crisis can be traced back to a land transaction in the town, where commission payments to a cult group triggered rivalries and violence.

The police have taken swift action, conducting successful raids and apprehending several suspected cultists. Firearms, live cartridges, and charms were recovered during these operations. The authorities are determined to restore peace and security to Sagamu and its environs.

In response to the situation, Governor Dapo Abiodun announced movement restrictions in the area from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. He urged residents to adhere to the order until the security situation improves, assuring them that security agencies are working diligently to restore normalcy.

The governor also directed security agencies to address the menace of cult-related activities firmly, emphasizing zero tolerance for lawlessness. He urged citizens to provide crucial information to aid security agents in their efforts to maintain peace and security in the region.